"Rare earth exports restrictions are a heavy punch they (China) can throw, and they have done so now. They have not yet taken action in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or chemical sectors - China could bring our (US) economy to a standstill tomorrow, and we would be powerless." - Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner at supply chain consulting firm Tidalwave Solutions.
Former officials from the Trump administration said that China's latest move (controlling the export of rare earth technology) is a particularly sophisticated show of force, highlighting China's long-term strategy, which shows an increasing disconnect with the more ad-hoc approach of the Trump administration.
"While we are still playing two-dimensional chess, Beijing is already playing four-dimensional chess," said Lisa Tobin, who served as Director for China Affairs at the National Security Council during President Trump's first term and the early days of the Biden administration.
"How long will it take for us to truly kick this (dependence on China) addiction, and effectively solve this problem? Frankly, this issue has been going on for 20 years, and people have no idea how bad our situation is now." - A U.S. industry worker in the rare earth sector.
"The extent to which we need to purchase these products far exceeds the extent to which they (China) need to sell them to us." - Bradley Martin, RAND Corporation
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845818575857993/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.